Guyana continues to gain regional recognition for its commitment to sustainable and community-led tourism, with Toka Village (Inni Lodge), Region 9, being named the winner of the Community-Based Tourism Award at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Awards 2026.
According to the CTO, the award recognises the strength of community-driven tourism development in Guyana and highlights the impact of locally led initiatives in creating authentic and sustainable visitor experiences.
The judges commended the community for its strong ownership and participation through the leadership of the Toka Tourism Committee and Village Council. The submission also stood out for its community-led signature experiences and the establishment of a sustainable financial ecosystem that extends beyond pottery to include culinary experiences, creating diversified income opportunities for residents.
Particular praise was given to the active involvement of elders and women in preserving traditional knowledge and cultural practices, as well as the growing interest and participation of young people in cultural revitalisation efforts within the village.
The judges further noted that the project demonstrated clear alignment with key evaluation areas, including community leadership and empowerment, social, cultural and economic benefits, authenticity and visitor education, and sustainability and long-term community value.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, congratulated the community on the achievement, noting that the award reflects the success of Guyana’s approach to sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
“This recognition is a proud moment for Toka Village and for Guyana. Community-led tourism continues to play an important role in preserving our culture, empowering local communities, and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth,” Minister Rodrigues said.
“During my visit to Toka Village, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the experience firsthand, especially the traditional pottery-making process that has been passed down through generations. What stood out most was the pride, passion, and sense of togetherness within the community. The people of Toka should be proud of what they have built and the example they continue to set for the region,” she added.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, also welcomed the recognition, noting that community-owned tourism products remain a key part of Guyana’s tourism strategy.
“Toka is a strong example of what is possible when communities take the lead in developing and sharing their culture and traditions authentically. I can say without any uncertainty that the people of Toka have been committed to seeing this journey through with us. We are proud to see them being recognised at the regional level,” Baksh said.
This award reflects years of work by the Guyana Tourism Authority in partnership with the people of Toka Village to strengthen and develop a sustainable community-led tourism product that preserves culture while creating economic opportunities for residents. Visit Rupununi and Conservation International-Guyana were also important early partners in helping to shape the village’s tourism journey.
The award-winning submission, prepared and submitted by the Guyana Tourism Authority in close collaboration with the village, highlighted the growth of Inni Lodge, the preservation of traditional pottery-making, culinary experiences, and the strong systems of community ownership that continue to make Toka Village a leading example of community-based tourism in the Caribbean.
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